Dear Colleagues:
Earlier this year, we completed the search for the newly created position of Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Secretary to the Board of Regents. Today marks Bonita Brown’s first day as our inaugural VP/CSO. This position is designed to provide campus-wide oversight and execution of the new strategic framework. Please join me in welcoming Bonita to the Norse family!
One of the main responsibilities of this new role is to enable effective data-informed and evidence-based decision-making around the strategic framework. Therefore, Planning and Institutional Research will report to the VP/CSO. This alignment will allow for a greater focus on institutional strategy through streamlined access and processes while keeping the strategic framework at the forefront.
As a result of this change, the Division of Administration & Finance will now comprise of Business Operations & Auxiliary Services, Budget Office, Comptroller’s Office, Facilities Management, Human Resources and Information Technology. In addition, to create greater operational and strategic efficiency, I am combining the dual responsibilities of the vacant Vice President for Administration & Finance (VPAF) position and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) position into a single lead role for the division. I have asked Mike Hales, the current CFO, to serve as the interim VPAF/CFO. Mike joined NKU in 2015 with more than 25 years of financial experience at The E.W. Scripps Company. His leadership roles over his career have covered a wide range of responsibilities, including budget, audit, accounting, compliance, purchasing, and financial aid planning analysis. Mike is also a proud NKU alum. Please join me in congratulating Mike as he takes on this new role. We will conduct a search for the permanent VPAF/CFO in the near future.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank Lori Southwood for her leadership during her tenure serving as Co-Interim Chief Administration Officer. Her hard work and commitment to the division and our university is much appreciated. Lori will be resuming her responsibilities as the Chief Human Resources Officer and will continue to serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
How we organize and structure our institution has a direct impact, not only on the work we do each day, but also our future strategic direction. These changes will better align the needs of our organization with our strategic framework, and will allow for greater efficiency, streamlined processes and improved effectiveness.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, our institution and our region.
Sincerely yours,
Ashish
Connect with us on social media
© 2018. Northern Kentucky University. All
rights reserved.
Office of the President
Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099
